According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, the Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue 2024 marked significant cooperation between the two nations in the logistics sector.
Speaking to Industry and Trade Newspaper, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hoàng Thuý, Director General and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and the Nordic region, shared that on November 12 (local time), during the official visit of Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue was held at Ericsson’s headquarters.
Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân and Mr. Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, co-chaired the event. The dialogue also saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hoàng Long and Mr. Trần Văn Tuấn, Vietnam’s Ambassador to Sweden and concurrently Latvia.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue
Expansion of the SWAN Service by MSC
At the forum, in the presence of Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân, MSC, the world’s leading container shipping company, announced the expansion of its SWAN service. This maritime transport route, which includes key ports such as Gothenburg (Sweden) and Vũng Tàu (Vietnam), is set to launch in 2025.
The SWAN service will connect Gothenburg and Vũng Tàu directly for the first time, enhancing the flow of goods between the two regions. This new route promises efficient logistics solutions, shorter transit times, and a significant boost to bilateral economic ties.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Gothenburg Port and SSIT Port in Vũng Tàu. The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to deepening connectivity and collaboration in the logistics and maritime sectors, positioning both ports as strategic trade hubs in their respective regions.
The SWAN service expansion is expected to significantly increase trade volume between Vietnam and Sweden, providing an essential impetus for businesses to expand their markets. This development underscores the strategic vision and commitment to innovation of both ports, further strengthening trade cooperation between Northern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Discussion on Digital Transformation for Sustainability
During the dialogue, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Long chaired a session titled “Digital Transformation Towards Sustainable Societies and Industries.” The session featured open discussions with representatives from Swedish agencies and enterprises, emphasizing Vietnam’s aspiration to partner with international stakeholders, particularly Sweden, in achieving sustainable development goals, transitioning to green energy, and fostering green growth.
Prominent Swedish enterprises in attendance included Ericsson, Vilja, MSC, Syre, Scienta Envinet, SEB Bank, EPC-ansvarig SEK Bank, Swedfund, Business Sweden, and EKN, among others.
Vietnam-Sweden Relations: A Legacy of Cooperation
Vietnam and Sweden share a 55-year history of friendly and mutually beneficial relations. Over the decades, Sweden has provided invaluable support to Vietnam, both materially and morally, during the nation’s struggle for independence, unification, and subsequent efforts in renovation and international integration.
Since transitioning to an equal and mutually beneficial partnership in 2013, bilateral trade has witnessed positive developments. According to Vietnam Customs, the total bilateral trade volume reached approximately $1.29 billion in 2023. In the first six months of 2024, this figure stood at $695.9 million, reflecting an 11.6% increase year-on-year.
Currently, Sweden is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Northern Europe, while Vietnam is Sweden’s largest import partner in Southeast Asia.
The Vietnam-Sweden Business Dialogue 2024 not only reinforced the strong bilateral ties but also opened up new avenues for cooperation, especially in logistics and sustainable development. This event underscores the enduring partnership and shared aspirations of both nations.